RESIDENTS of a block of flats in Glasgow told how they are living in terror after their close was turned into a shooting gallery by people gripped by addiction.
Those living in the homes on Paisley Road West say drugs are being taken on their stairwell amid claims that they are being sold by a dealer who lives nearby.
Locals have today called for police to commit more resources to the area and told the Glasgow Times the problem has escalated to the point that they are now afraid to leave their homes in broad daylight.
One described to us how a man threatened him with a hacksaw and said he would ‘cut his head and arms off’ after he asked him to leave the close.
The resident, who has asked to remain anonymous, said: “It was terrifying. I asked him if he would just go away and he pulled out this old rusty saw from inside his jacket and told me he was going to attack me.
“He started to come towards me and said he was going to hack off my arms, legs and head. I just turned and ran and thankfully managed to get back inside my flat and bolt the door. Sadly this kind of thing isn’t a one-off, it is what we’ve almost become used to facing on a daily basis.
“People are scared to go out of their front door after dark for fear of what or who they might find on the stairwell.”
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Residents say that an insecure outside door, which has become broken after being repeatedly forced, and a lack of a proper close circuit camera system has made the close an easy target.
They also described how needles and foil wrappers are regularly found outside their front doors, while several householders have fitted fake CCTV cameras in a desperate bid to deter louts from loitering.
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The 40-year-old said: “This has become a living nightmare. Every time you open the door you don’t know who or what you are going to find.
"I’ve seen people lying on the stairs as high as a kite while almost every other day you find burnt spoons, drug wrappers and other paraphernalia scattered all over the place.
“This used to be a decent area, but it has been allowed to go right downhill. Everyone knows the problem is being caused by drugs being sold from a nearby property, but police don’t seem to be taking us seriously.”
The property is managed by housing association, Wheatley Homes Glasgow, who told the Glasgow Times they are actively working to crack down on the issue.
A spokesperson said: “A new door has already been ordered for the block to increase security for those living there and we’ve increased our patrols of the area while working closely with the police.
“We take reports of anti-social and criminal behaviour in our communities very seriously. We fully investigate all claims and take appropriate action.
“We urge tenants and homeowners who have concerns this type of behaviour to report it to the police and then let their housing officer know.”
Police Scotland have been approached for comment.
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